The Israeli air force drops flyers on the Gaza Strip, warning the residents of a “new phase of attacks” on the beleaguered territory.

According to the leaflets, the military is about to start a “new phase in the war on terror,” the Associated Press reported Saturday.

The army says the leaflets are meant as “general warnings”.

After two weeks of full-scale attacks on the populated strip, Israel now seeks to escalate its incursion into the region following an approval by the Israeli security cabinet on Friday.

The military operation has so far claimed at least 821 lives, leaving more than 3,350 others wounded. According to paramedical sources, there have been 235 children, 90 women and 12 medics among the casualties in Gaza, CNN reported.

Israel launched Operation Cast Lead against Gaza on December 27 to halt rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip.

Hamas demands a cessation to an 18-month Israeli blockade on Gaza before its fighters stop rocket attacks against Israel.